BOYS' BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: MONTCLAIR PREP GETS STAR FORWARD.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

The domino effect of Redondo Union High basketball coach Jim Nielson leaving to become an assistant at Pepperdine reached to Montclair Prep of Van Nuys. Not that the Mounties are complaining.

As a result of Nielson leaving, Montclair Prep will get outstanding junior-to-be Wendell White, a smooth, athletic, 6-foot-6 small forward who will in. White has enrolled in summer school and is practicing with the Mounties' summer team.

``We're extremely fortunate to get a player of Wendell's ability,'' Mounties coach Tyrone Fuller said. ``Anytime you get a player of that caliber, it's exciting to see where your program can go.''

White is rated in most scouting services as one of the top five small forwards in the country. The Sporting News has him ranked as the ninth-best player in the nation.

The coaching change at Redondo Union prompted White's departure. Had Nielson stayed, White probably would not have left.

Fuller, a distant relative of White, said academics were just as important as sports in White's decision to leave Redondo Union. White has room for improvement in the classroom, according to Fuller.

``The smaller environment will be beneficial to him,'' Fuller said. ``For Wendall, the basketball part has been the easy part, but there are other things he needs to take care of in order to secure his future at the next level.''

Fuller is waiting on word from 6-8 senior forward Derek Daniels, who is visiting family in the East and might consider staying there rather than return to Montclair Prep. According to Fuller, Daniels is in Baltimore with his mother and is expected to decide his intentions in two weeks.

``I just think he's really trying to find himself and decide what's best for him,'' Fuller said. ``He had not been home in more than a year, so he was feeling a little homesick. But hopefully things will work out.''

With White, Daniels and three big men - 6-10 Blaise Lough, 6-10 Sebastian Anderle and 6-8 Marko Bozovic - the Mounties will be one of the region's top teams.

--Hunting for a leader: It's typical for Canoga Park coach Ralph Turner to come into a season with only one or two players back from the previous year, but he's been fortunate lately that the one or two returnees include Cecil Brown.

``Guys that have been through it, know what it's all about and know what it takes,'' Turner said.

This year is a lot different. The Hunters bring back Fernando Lopez, a role player, and Maurice Neal, their point guard.

``Right now the leadership isn't where it's been, so we just have to sit back and see who steps up in that regard,'' Turner said.

Neal is the key. He's not the biggest guy around - 5-11 - but he's quick and deceivingly strong. Neal has shown the ability to consistently beat his man off the dribble and get into the lane for layups or dishoffs. He's at his best in the open court, though.

``He's got excellent vision and he makes good decisions,'' Turner said.

The flip side is that for Neal to be at his best, Canoga Park must defend and rebound, then get him the ball in transition.

--On the docket: The Glendale College tournament continues today through Sunday, offering fans a chance to see some of the area's top players. Among the teams to keep an eye on are Taft (Steve Smith), Chatsworth (Franklin Robinson) and Harvard-Westlake of Studio City (Bryce Taylor).

Games start at 10:45 each morning. The final is 6:55 p.m. Sunday.

--Hoop-la: The Summer Slam-Jam Tournament will begin pool play today at Sylmar High. Among the games scheduled: Valencia vs. Chatsworth, 2 p.m.; Price vs. Rolling Hills Prep, 3:30 p.m.; Valencia vs. Montclair Prep, 5 p.m.; Price vs. Granada Hills, 6:30 p.m.